Revelations: Elaine Goad, head chef, Ottolenghi Chelsea, London

We delve into the life and inner thoughts of a top chef. This week: Elaine Goad, head chef at Ottolenghi Chelsea in London

 

What was your best subject at school?

 

Maths and PE, I played all kinds of sports, from ice hockey to basketball

 

What was your first job?

 

I worked in a pizzeria

 

What was your first job in catering?

 

With Ottolenghi, as commis chef at Spitalfields, London

 

What do you normally have for breakfast?

 

Bread, toast and a coffee

 

What do you do to relax?

 

Get a long massage to help with the aches and watch a true crime series

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

 

Too many to mention, but this year it would be Mr Ji in Soho. The vibe gives me nostalgia from when I used to live in Hong Kong

 

What is your favourite drink?

 

A fresh mango shake – especially in the Philippines

 

What is your favourite cuisine?

 

Middle eastern, Thai and Korean

 

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

 

Ketchup!

 

What do you always carry with you?

 

Hand cream – the job can be tough on the skin – and my mobile

 

Which person in catering have you most admired?

 

Sami Tamimi. I had the privilege of working with him and he taught me so much

 

Describe your ultimate nightmare?

 

Going through another pandemic! No more please

 

What’s your favourite film?

 

Parasite

 

What is your favourite prepared product?

 

Belazu’s Truffle and Pecorino nut mix – so addictive

 

Who would be in your “fantasy” brigade?

 

Definitely Jay Fai of Raan Jay Fai, May Chow of Little Bao HK, Ramael Scully of Scully, Sami Tamimi, Vic Sanchez, my culinary school mentor, and my mom, who always said she’s the best cook!